FAO and regional Forest Invasive Species Networks kick off “Voices of future forest health leaders” webinar series

FAO's Asia-Pacific Forest Invasive Species Network (APFISN) launched a new webinar series, ‘Voices of future forest health leaders’, aimed at connecting and empowering young professionals in the field. 

The first session, held on 18 February, was organized with support from the FAO Forest Health Team and the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. It focused on career paths in forest health and featured a distinguished panel of early-career researchers and practitioners who shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in this field.  

Panelists came from across the region and included: 

• Jithu Krishnan, Scientist at the Forest Entomology Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, India. 
• Quynh Nhu Dang, Researcher at the Science Training and International Cooperation Department, VAFS, Viet Nam. 
• Maika Lesubula, Senior Forestry Officer, Forest Health, Ministry of Forestry, Fiji. 
• Jessa Ata, Associate Professor, Department of Forest Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines. 
• Zhan Xudong, PhD Candidate, Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, China. 

Throughout the session, panelists reflected on their journeys in forest health, discussing topics ranging from access to advanced technologies and fundamental research opportunities to the personal challenges of navigating self-doubt in their careers. The webinar provided an open and supportive space for young professionals to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and build connections. 

Designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the ‘Voices of future forest health leaders’ series invites aspiring researchers and practitioners to explore career paths, share experiences, and contribute to the future of forest health.  

The next session, in partnership with the Forest Invasive Species Network for Africa (FISNA)- Near East Network on Forest Health and Invasive Species (NENFHIS), is scheduled for 4 March 2025. 

For more information and to register for the next session, please click here.